Below is the text of Mr Major's written Parliamentary Answer on Supplementary Benefit on 18th July 1986.

Mrs. Beckett Asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many supplementary benefit claimants are estimated to be eligible for severe disablement allowance, but do not claim it.

Mr. Major I regret that reliable estimates are not available.

Mr. Tom Cox Asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people claimed supplementary benefit in the Tooting constituency in (i) 1979 and (ii) 1985; what percentage change that represents; and what was the percentage change in (a) staff handling supplementary benefit and (b) all staff in his Department's local offices for the same period.

Mr. Alfred Morris Asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people claimed supplementary benefit in the Manchester, Wythenshawe constituency and the city of Manchester, respectively, in (a) 1979 and (b) 1985; what percentage change the figures represent; and what were the percentage changes in (i) staff handling supplementary benefit and (ii) all staff at his Department's local offices for the same period.

Mr. Geoffrey Robinson Asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people claimed supplementary benefit in the Coventry, North-West constituency in (a) 1979 and (b) 1985; what percentage change that represents; and what was the percentage change in (i) staffing handling supplementary benefit and (ii) all staff at the local offices of his Department over the same period.

Mr. Major I shall let the right hon. and hon. Members have replies as soon as possible.